14-Day Philippines Tour from Manila to Coron: Palawan, Port Barton and El Nido
What you'll experience
Highlights
• A delicious welcome meal up on the rooftop terrace
• A few drinks overlooking the Manila skyline
• Unique Filipino culture
• The world famous Hot Springs for a relaxing afternoon
14 days
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1 — Arrive in Manila
Arrive at any time in Manila and we will meet you at the airport. We take you through the winding streets to our boutique hostel in central Manila. Settle into your accommodation and in the evening join the rest of the group for a delicious welcome meal up on the rooftop terrace and enjoy a few drinks overlooking the Manila skyline.
Activities: Welcome Dinner
Physical Rating: LowMeals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Z Hostel - 2
Day 2 — Palawan
We are heading to Palawan! Start your day with a leisurely breakfast, then take a short flight to Puerto Princesa. You'll have some free time to enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool, a relaxing massage or simply unwind. In the evening, we will dine at a local restaurant in this charming coastal city.
Physical Rating: MediumMeals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Canvas Boutique Hotel - 3
Day 3 — UNESCO Underground River - Port Barton
We have an early start as we head out to the UNESCO Underground River. We explore a portion of the accessible underground river by boat before stopping for lunch. Afterwards, we'll continue on a scenic drive to the remote and stunning Port Barton. Spend the afternoon sipping fresh coconuts on golden sand while listening to some island reggae in the background. Tonight we will sleep in traditional Filipino-style beach bungalows listening to the sound of the ocean.
Activities: Underground River
Optional Extras: Massages
Physical Rating: Medium
Underground River
Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Elsa's Cottages - 4
Day 4 — Private Beach Camp: Snorkelling, Waterfall & School Visit
For the next 2 days we get to experience the local island way of life, with our Islander Experience. After breakfast, we join our local guides on their boat for 2 days of exploring islands and the surrounding areas of Port Barton. Snorkel around coral reefs & alongside turtles, shower in jungle waterfalls, explore tiny islands and just take it all in. In the evening we get together around the fire at our very own private beach camp. Perfect! Don’t worry about food either as our local guides will have everything covered with feasts of grilled fish, pork, rice, vegetables and fruit. Tonight you will sleep in tents directly on the beach in paradise.
Activities: Island Hopping, Beach Bonfire, Snorkelling, Waterfall Visit, School Visit (seasonal)
Physical Rating: Medium/HighMeals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: Beach Camp - 5
Day 5 — Private Beach Camp: Snorkelling, Waterfall & School Visit
Today we get to experience the local island way of life, with our Islander Experience. After breakfast, we join our local guides on their boat for exploring islands and the surrounding areas of Port Barton. Snorkel around coral reefs & alongside turtles, shower in jungle waterfalls, explore tiny islands and just take it all in. In the evening we get together around the fire at our very own private beach camp. Perfect! Don’t worry about food either as our local guides will have everything covered with feasts of grilled fish, pork, rice, vegetables and fruit. Tonight you will sleep in tents directly on the beach in paradise.
Activities: Island Hopping, Beach Bonfire, Snorkelling, Waterfall Visit, School Visit (seasonal)
Physical Rating: Medium/HighMeals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Beach Camp - 6
Day 6 — El Nido, Paradise
After breakfast, take some time to appreciate your spectacular surroundings before we then hop into a van and head up on our way to El Nido. When we arrive you will see why Palawan was named the most beautiful island in the world. Surrounded by islands and towering cliffs, El Nido is a secret paradise we are lucky enough to share. Once you pick your jaws up off the ground, we will check in to the funkiest hostel in Palawan. This slick hostel looks more like a boutique hotel than a backpackers! Settle in, then head to our favourite beach restaurant in the evening for food and fun with us.
Optional Extras: Massage, Beach Clean-up
Physical Rating: LowMeals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Spin Designer Hostel - 7
Day 7 — El Nido, Filipino Cultural Day
Get ready to immerse yourself in unique Filipino culture! We'll take a short jungle hike to learn about the flora and fauna that grow in the lush rainforest before arriving at our exclusive jungle hut for a fun-filled day. Today's activities range from cooking authentic Filipino food, climbing coconut trees, traditional Filipino stick fighting, coconut shaving, learning Filipino dances and children's games, coconut leaf weaving, and more. Afterwards, you can take the optional zipline and enjoy a relaxing time on the stunning Las Cabanas Beach. It's an exhilarating adventure of flying between two islands over the ocean, followed by a day of relaxation that you're not likely to forget!
Activities: Cultural Day
Optional Extras: Zipline (600/800 PhP) SUP
Physical Rating: Medium/HighMeals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Spin Designer Hostel - 8
Day 8 — El Nido, Island Hopping
This morning we board our boat to take us around all the spectacular, tiny islands in the bay. You will explore the most beautiful islands and the bluest waters you have ever seen. Snorkel with your new friends and feast on the freshly prepared food on board. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Activities: El Nido Island Hopping
Physical Rating: Medium/HighMeals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Spin Designer Hostel - 9
Day 9 — El Nido Town, Canopy Walk & Massage
Today we do a short canopy walk up to the famous cliffs overlooking El Nido to get the best view of incredible bay and Cadlao Island. After all that exercise, you’ll need some chill-out time! That’s why we include a traditional Filipino massage near the beach to help ease those muscles. Take your time today to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
Activities: Canopy Walk, 1hr Massage
Optional Extras: Additonal Island Hopping Day, Scuba Diving, Boxing Class, Surfing Lesson (subject to availability)
Physical Rating: Medium/HighMeals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Spin Designer Hostel - 10
Day 10 — On to Coron
Say goodbye to those only doing 10 days, and join the rest of the lucky ones on our Coron extension! After breakfast pack your things and hop on the fast ferry to Coron. Check in to the accommodation before being taken to the world famous Hot Springs for a relaxing afternoon!
Activities: Fast Ferry to Coron
Physical Rating: LowMeals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Acacia Garden Inn - 11
Day 11 — Coron Island, Free Day to Explore
Today is a day for you to spend at your leisure! Relax at the accommodation or book an optional extra. You can hike Mount Tapyas, get some Scuba Diving in or go on an extra island hopping tour- the choice is yours.
Optional Extras: Mount Tapyas Hike, Island Hopping, Scuba Diving
Physical Rating: Low-HighMeals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Acacia Garden Inn - 12
Day 12 — Coron Island, Snorkeling, Bonfire, Hot Springs & More
The next two days will be spent snorkelling in Coron’s top destinations. Passing by beautiful landscapes and beaches while snorkelling at the Lusong Gunboat Ship Wreck, freshwater lakes, coral reefs, and twin lagoons. We will spend the night in Pass Island and enjoy a bonfire with sunset cocktails. The next day, head to the Coral Garden and Lusong Gunboat for more snorkelling before returning to Coron to check in at a hotel and visit hot springs.
Activities: Snorkeling, Bonfire, Hot Springs
Physical Rating: Medium/HighMeals: B: Included, L: Included, D: IncludedStay: Pass Island Acacia Garden Inn - 13
Day 13 — Coron Island, Snorkeling, Bonfire, Hot Springs & More
Today will be spent snorkelling in Coron’s top destinations. Passing by beautiful landscapes and beaches while snorkelling at the Lusong Gunboat Ship Wreck, freshwater lakes, coral reefs, and twin lagoons. We will spend the night in Pass Island and enjoy a bonfire with sunset cocktails. The next day, head to the Coral Garden and Lusong Gunboat for more snorkelling before returning to Coron to check in at a hotel and visit hot springs.
Activities: Snorkeling, Bonfire, Hot Springs
Physical Rating: Medium/HighMeals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Pass Island Acacia Garden Inn - 14
Day 14 — Depart from Coron
Sadly all good things must come to an end! After breakfast we check out of our accommodation and every guest will get an airport transfer to Fransisco B. Reyes airport. Don’t be sorry that it’s over, be glad that it happened!
Activities: Airport Transfer (Day 14 only)Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded
What's included
Included
- Stays: 13-night accommodations
- Meals: 13x Breakfasts, 7x Lunches, 3x Dinners
- Transport: All transport Day 1 to 14, Jeepneys, Filipino trikes, buses, boats & more
- Crew: Your tour guide, your drivers & your local guides
- Activities:
- Overnight Camping
- 2 Day/1 Night Island Hopping Adventure in Port Barton
- School Visit
- UNESCO Underground River
- Cultural Day
- Massage
- Viewpoint Hike
- Local Transport Experiences
- Waterfall
- Snorkelling with Turtles
- Island Hopping in El Nido
- Ferry to Coron
- Hot Springs
- 2 Day/1 Night island hopping and camping in Coron
Not included
- Airfares or related transportation between your home and departure city
- All personal expenses including hotel room service and meals; however, you have the option to pay for meals the tour guide arranges
- Entrance fees & optional tours (Prices vary from season to season; only the price at the ticket booth / box office is final): Mount Tapyas Hike, Yoga, Ziplining, Additonal Island Hopping Day, Scuba Diving, Boxing Class, Surfing Lesson (subject to availability)
Cancellation policy
| When you cancel | Refund | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–27 days before | 0% | Cancellation Made Within 27 days prior to departure, No Refund |
| 28–61 days before | 50% | Cancellation Made Within 28 days to 61 days prior to departure, Refund 50% of total purchase amount |
| 62+ days before | 90% | Cancellation Made 62 or more days prior to departure, Refund 90% of total purchase amount |
Important info
Special notes
- FAQs:
Do you have an age limit for tours?
- We have an age range of 18 – 45 years old for our tours. Most of our guests are aged between 21-35 years old, though this range varies to slightly older with certain destinations, and are looking to experience our adventurous “flashpacking” style of travel. Our tours are perfect for people of all different backgrounds to share travel experiences with like-minded conscious fellow travellers.
How much spending money do you recommend for this tour?
- We recommend a minimum of $500 AUD for the full fourteen days, but it depends on what kind of spender you are. We include a spending guide in your welcome pack. You can withdraw from ATMs at various points throughout the tour, but we recommend withdrawing plenty of cash in Manila since you cannot rely on the ATMs in Palawan. This Cost of Living website gives accurate prices of all the basics in the Philippines, including food and alcohol.
Can you get private rooms on this tour instead of dorms?
- Absolutely, before you select your date on the “book now” page you can choose the Double/Twin Share or Single Upgrade option to have your own room. If you haven’t paid for this at the time of booking but want to request an upgrade, please let us know as soon as possible so we can check availability.
Can I bring a 25kg suitcase?
- Please note that we have a 20kg limit on checked luggage on our domestic flight from Manila to Palawan, if you need to add extra at the airport you can do so but it can be very costly. We would recommend bringing a suitcase or backpack that weighs under 20kg.
I want to go diving in El Nido, is there the option to do it while on the tour?
- Since dive boats usually head out early in the day and there’s only one free afternoon in El Nido, you would need to miss an included activity to participate in a diving trip. However there’s usually at least a few people from every tour who have a few days to spare at the end of the trip who stay in El Nido to go diving.
Does it matter what time I arrive on day 1 in order to be picked up from the airport?
- You can arrive at any time on day 1, but if you arrive after 3pm your tour guide won’t be able to personally collect you. Instead they will arrange your car and meet you at the hostel for your first night.
Can you cater for my dietary requirements on this trip?
- Yes, we can cater for most dietary requirements. Please notify us prior to arriving on day 1 so we can arrange this for you.
I haven’t ever camped before. Can you tell me more about the beach camping?
- Sleeping in a tent on the beach will be one of the most unique and incredible things you will get to experience. It is a private beach with a purpose-built shelter to protect you from the weather. Each tent comes with a mattress, pillow & sheet and can fit 2 people. There is nothing like waking up on a deserted island, watching the sunrise and going for a morning swim.
Can I get picked up from the airport if I arrive before day 1?
- Unfortunately we only offer airport pick ups on day 1 of the tour, but we include very easy and straightforward instructions in your welcome pack to help you on getting from the airport to the first hostel.
I want to bring some camera equipment on tour, are there safe places like lockers in the accommodation?
- There are lockers/safes in most locations but not all, we recommend bringing a padlock for your bag like you would when travelling in a normal situation anyway for that extra peace of mind.
Should I bring hiking shoes?
- There is a little walking involved in the Philippines but not much. Sandals and some trainers/running shoes would be fine.
Can we swim with whale sharks on the tour?
- The main opportunity to swim with whale sharks in the Philippines is located in Cebu which is a different island to Palawan and Coron where we visit on tour. While we don’t support or include whale shark swimming on tour, there are ethical opportunities within the Philippines and should you travel further around the country once the tour has finished your guide can help advise you on the best places to do so.
Where do we spend the first night of the tour?
- We stay at the award winning Z Hostel in Makati.
Where should I fly into?
- Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL).
Do you include any meals on this tour?
- Yes, we include 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 3 dinners.
Does it matter what time I leave on day 14?
- As day 14 is departure day, you can depart at any time. We recommend getting a flight from Busuanga Airport and our tour guide will arrange your transport to the airport for you.
Will I have the same tour guide throughout the tour?
- We try our best to ensure you have the same tour guide for the full 14 days, however, sometimes there may be a change in guide at the end of the 10 day tour.
How long does it take to get to Coron on day 10?
- We take a ferry from El Nido to Coron which will take approximately 5.5 hours.
What are the facilities like on our Island stay in Coron?
- We will be staying in either huts or tents on the island, and have access to toilets and traditional Filipino bucket shower facilities. The huts are provided with fans and access to electricity.
Will I have time to go diving in Coron?
- Yes! We have a free day in Coron and our tour guides can assist you in organizing any optional activities to do on this day such as diving.
Pricing notes (children, single supplement)
* Price for Double/Twin Share Occupancy applies when two people stay in one standard room respectively.
* Price for Triple/Quadruple Occupancy applies when three/four people stay in one dorm respectively.
Tour operator
Tours4Fun Provider 10168
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